Clear Lake
About Clear Lake
Clear Lake is a 66-acre lake near Russell in Lyon County, Minnesota. It reaches 11 feet at its deepest point, and has roughly 1.3 miles of shoreline. DNR surveys put average water clarity at about 1.2 feet, so expect stained or algae-tinted water in summer.
Minnesota DNR fisheries surveys list 7 fish species here, including walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch. The DNR has stocking records for the lake, so check the stocking report for the most recent species and year classes. The most recent fisheries survey on file dates to 2025.
There is one public boat launch (concrete surface) managed by the Minnesota DNR.
Plan Your Visit to Clear Lake
- 66 acres, up to 11 feet deep, near Russell
- 1 public boat launch (concrete) — managed by the Minnesota DNR
- Game fish on the DNR survey: walleye, northern pike, and yellow perch
- Average water clarity around 1.2 feet — expect green or stained water by midsummer
Access & Fees
- Public access
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Launch fee
- Free at DNR accesses
- Managed by
- Minnesota DNR
Conditions
- Surface area
- 66 acres
- Max depth
- 11 ft
- Shoreline
- 1.3 mi
- Water clarity
- 1.2 ft
- Shallows (under 15 ft)
- 66 acres
Rules & Regulations
- A Minnesota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older
- Drain plugs must be out and all water drained before leaving any access; remove aquatic plants from boats and trailers
- Children under 10 must wear a life jacket on a boat that is underway
Facilities
- 1 public boat launch (concrete)
- Low-clarity lakes are prone to summer algae blooms; keep dogs out of green, scummy water
- Ice is never completely safe — check thickness yourself before walking or driving on any lake
Angler's Report
Minnesota DNR LakeFinder- Species on survey
- 7
- Game fish
- 3
- Stocked
- Yes
- Last DNR survey
- 2025
- Special regulations
- No
- Fishing pier
- No
- Ice fishing
- Yes
- Boat launch
- Yes
Fishing data: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Regulations change — confirm with the current DNR fishing regulations.
Activities
Amenities
Fish Species
Plan your trip to Clear Lake
Compare Clear Lake against the top-ranked lakes nearby, then map your route.
Nearby Lakes
Rock Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Russell379 acres
3.6 miles away
Wood Lake
46 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Russell373 acres
4 miles away
McKay Lake
32 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Balaton167 acres
4.5 miles away
Island Lake
38 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Lynd170 acres
4.6 miles away
Goose Lake
41 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Lynd150 acres
5.9 miles away
Yankton Lake
48 out of 100 Lake ScoreLyon · Balaton403 acres
7.1 miles away
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake is in Lyon County, Minnesota, near Russell. It covers 66 acres and reaches 11 feet deep.
How big and how deep is Clear Lake?
Clear Lake covers 66 acres with about 1.3 miles of shoreline. Its maximum depth is 11 feet.
What fish can you catch at Clear Lake?
Minnesota DNR surveys list Walleye, Northern Pike, and Yellow Perch. A Minnesota fishing license is required for anyone 16 and older.
Is there a public boat launch on Clear Lake?
Yes. Clear Lake has 1 public boat launch (concrete), managed by the Minnesota DNR. DNR public water accesses are free to use.
Can you swim at Clear Lake?
There is no mapped public swim beach at Clear Lake. Minnesota's public waters are open to swimming where you have legal access, but there are no lifeguards or water-quality monitoring away from designated beaches.
Is Clear Lake stocked?
Yes. The Minnesota DNR has stocking records for Clear Lake; species and numbers vary by year, so see the stocking report on DNR LakeFinder.